Task 2: Cohesion Without Over-Linking (Natural Flow) - (Writing)
Build natural flow without stuffing your essay with connectors. Learn a clean system for paragraph unity, reference chains, lexical cohesion, and sentence rhythm. Use a connector budget, theme-new ordering, and rewrite clinics to fix over-linking. Includes annotated samples, drills, checklists, and a 7 day plan. Simple English with Bangla notes for hard terms so you can learn fast and write clearly under time.
Module 1 - What cohesion is and why over-linking hurts your score
Cohesion is how sentences and paragraphs connect so the reader can follow ideas smoothly. Bangla: cohesion = বাক্যগুলোর প্রাকৃতিক সংযোগ.
Over-linking means using too many explicit connectors like moreover, therefore, in addition, however, consequently. Examiners want clear logic, not a chain of signposts.
Why natural cohesion gains marks
- Task Response: Ideas stay on target when each sentence extends the previous one, not when you stack many adders.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Flow improves with reference, repetition control, and parallel structure.
- Lexical Resource: Varying word families and using precise superordinates avoids mechanical repetition.
- Grammar: Subordination and theme-new order make meaning clear without heavy linking words.
Bangla notes
- over-linking = অতিরিক্ত সংযোগকারী শব্দ ব্যবহার
- superordinate = উচ্চতর শ্রেণির শব্দ (যেমন fruit হলো apple এর superordinate)
Module 2 - The Natural Flow Equation
Natural flow = Topic chain + Given to New order + Light connectors + Reference clarity + Lexical echo.
- Topic chain: Keep one main topic per paragraph and repeat it or its pronoun in the first half of sentences.
- Given to New order: Start each sentence with known information and end with new information.
- Light connectors: Use a small set of precise linkers only when logic would be unclear without them.
- Reference clarity: Pronouns must have one obvious noun to point to.
- Lexical echo: Repeat key words or use close synonyms and superordinates to keep focus.
Bangla notes
- given-new order = পরিচিত থেকে নতুন তথ্যের ক্রম
- lexical echo = শব্দগত প্রতিধ্বনি, একই পরিবারের শব্দ দিয়ে সংযোগ
Module 3 - The Connector Budget (CB)
Most essays sound heavy because of overused linkers. Apply this budget.
- Per paragraph: maximum 2 explicit connectors (additive or contrastive). Prefer one at the start and one mid paragraph.
- Whole essay: aim for 6 to 8 maximum, including conclusion phrases.
- Priority: use connectors to signal contrast, cause, or concession. Avoid stacking adders like moreover, furthermore, in addition in one paragraph.
High value connectors
- contrast: however, by contrast, while
- cause: therefore, as a result, hence
- concession: although, even if
- sequencing: first, finally (use sparingly)
Low value when overused
- moreover, furthermore, besides, additionally.
Bangla quick map
- concession = ছাড় স্বীকার করে যুক্তি
Module 4 - The Four Engines of Cohesion without linkers
Reference
- Pronouns: it, they, this, that (with a clear noun).
- Demonstratives: this policy, that approach.
- Substitution: do so, one, ones.
- Ellipsis: omit repeated words when meaning is clear.
Bangla: reference = পূর্বোক্তের দিকে ইঙ্গিত.
- Lexical cohesion
- Repetition with purpose: employment policy → the policy → this rule.
- Synonyms and near synonyms: benefit → gain → payoff.
- Superordinates and hyponyms: transport → bus, rail.
- Word families: educate, education, educator, educational.
- Parallelism
- Keep similar grammar across items: to reduce costs, to shorten waits, to raise quality.
- Theme-New order
- Theme: start with what is known or the paragraph topic.
- New: add the new fact or claim.
Bangla notes
- parallelism = গঠনগত সমতা
- hyponym = নিম্নতর শ্রেণির শব্দ (apple হলো fruit এর hyponym)
Module 5 - Cohesion vs Coherence (know the difference)
- Coherence: the overall logic and structure. Paragraph sequence, argument flow, relevance. Bangla: coherence = সামগ্রিক সঙ্গতি.
- Cohesion: the sentence level links that make the logic easy to follow. You can have good cohesion with poor coherence if the paragraphs are off topic. Aim for both.
Quick test: If you remove all explicit connectors, does the paragraph still make sense because reference, repetition, and order are strong. If yes, your cohesion is natural.
Module 6 - The 5 paragraph Flow Map for Task 2
Use this skeleton, then fill with light connectors.
- Intro: paraphrase the question and give your view. Use one connector at most.
- Body 1: focus on one controlling idea. Repeat the main noun, use pronouns carefully. One connector allowed mid paragraph.
- Body 2: another controlling idea with the same pattern. One connector allowed.
- Optional Body 3: address a counterpoint or condition.
- Conclusion: restate decision and add a practical condition. One connector allowed at start (therefore, overall).
Bangla tip: প্রতিটি অনুচ্ছেদে একটিই প্রধান ধারণা রাখুন।
Module 7 - Micro-skills that reduce connector load
- Upgrade verbs: Replace weak be + adjective with active verbs.
- Weak: It is important to reduce traffic.
- Strong: Cities should cut traffic by pricing road space.
- Use noun phrases smartly: This policy, the approach, such a system.
- Embed cause in clauses: because, since, so that.
- Place contrast in the subject: Remote work helps parents. Office days help training. The balance is hybrid.
- Prefer short clauses: Two short linked clauses often read smoother than one long chain.
Bangla notes
- embed = বাক্যের মধ্যে অন্তর্ভুক্ত করা
Module 8 - The Over-Linking Clinic (before-after rewrites)
Original
Moreover, modern cities face congestion. Furthermore, people prefer cars. In addition, public transport is expensive. Therefore, governments should act. However, they do not have funds. Additionally, citizens resist.
Diagnosis
- 6 connectors in 6 short lines. Repetition without purpose. No topic chain. Vague claims.
Rewrite A - Natural flow
Modern cities face heavy congestion. Many residents still prefer cars, and fares make buses a weak alternative. Governments should respond, but budgets are tight and voters resist new charges.
Why it works
- Topic chain: cities → residents → governments.
- Compact verbs: prefer, respond, resist.
- No extra linkers. Meaning stays clear.
Rewrite B - Minimal support linkers
Modern cities face heavy congestion. Many residents still prefer cars, while fares keep buses a weak alternative. Governments should respond. However, budgets are tight and voters resist new charges.
Bangla tip: অল্প সংযোগকারী শব্দে বাক্য সাজান, বাক্যের গঠন ও ক্রিয়া দিয়ে সম্পর্ক দেখান।
Module 9 - The Reference Clinic (avoid vague this/it)
Vague: This increases the problem.
Fix: This pricing gap increases the problem.
Rule: After this or that, add a noun at least once per paragraph: this policy, that claim, this pattern.
Bangla: vague reference = অস্পষ্ট নির্দেশ
Module 10 - Lexical Echo: keeping focus without repetition
Chain
employment policy → the policy → this rule → the measure → the change
Synonym sets
- benefit: gain, advantage, payoff
- problem: issue, concern, drawback
- show change: rise, fall, decline, grow, flatten
Caution: Do not over-swap synonyms. Keep one noun as the anchor and vary around it.
Bangla tip: একটি প্রধান শব্দ বারবার ব্যবহার করলে ফোকাস থাকে, তবে মাঝে মাঝে সমার্থক শব্দ দিন।
Module 11 - Theme-New ordering practice
Paragraph starter
Online courses reach remote learners. These programs expand access for workers and parents. The same platforms, however, can reduce interaction in practical modules. In those subjects, campus time still adds value.
Pattern
Known item first (online courses), then new fact (reach remote learners). Next sentence takes the known item (programs) and adds new detail (expand access). Contrast is placed inside the clause.
Bangla: theme-new = পরিচিত থেকে নতুন তথ্য
Module 12 - Punctuation and sentence rhythm
- Prefer one main clause plus one subordinate clause.
- Use commas for short interpolations only when essential.
- Avoid piling three connectors in one sentence.
- Read aloud. If you cannot say it in one breath, split the sentence.
Bangla tip: ছোট বাক্য পড়তে সহজ এবং ভুল কম হয়।
Module 13 - Cohesion patterns for common Task 2 types
Discussion essays
- Use concession early in Body 2 or the evaluation paragraph. Limit to one however.
Problem-solution essays
- Keep a cause-effect chain per paragraph. Use therefore once.
Agree-disagree essays
- State position clearly in the intro. Use while to show a minor concession.
Two-part questions
- Mirror the order of the questions. Use first and second once each.
Bangla notes
- mirror the order = প্রশ্নের ক্রম অনুযায়ী উত্তর দেওয়া
Module 14 - Cohesion without repetition in introductions and conclusions
Intro
Paraphrase the task using a mix of anchors and light synonyms. Save connectors for the body.
Conclusion
Repeat the decision with one condition or policy. Avoid new points. One connector like therefore or overall is enough.
Bangla: anchor word = মূল শব্দ যা কেন্দ্র ধরে রাখে
Module 15 - The Do and Avoid Board
Do
- Build a topic chain in each paragraph.
- Start with given information, end with new information.
- Use one or two high value connectors only.
- Use reference nouns after this or that.
- Keep verbs strong and specific.
Avoid
- Stack adders (moreover, furthermore, in addition).
- Vague this/it.
- Switching the topic mid paragraph.
- Overlong sentences with three clauses and two connectors.
Module 16 - Annotated Sample 1 (balanced discussion)
Prompt: Some people argue that tourism boosts local economies, while others believe it harms culture and nature. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample paragraph (Body 1 - economic gains)
Tourism injects money into small towns through spending on rooms, food, and transport. That revenue keeps family businesses open, and taxes fund roads and sanitation that residents also use. These gains are real in places with visitor caps and local supplier rules.
Notes
- Cohesion by reference: tourism → that revenue → these gains.
- One connector only (and inside the clause).
- Controlled conclusion with conditions.
Sample paragraph (Body 2 - harms with balanced tone)
Popular sites can suffer from crowding and waste. Old streets wear down, and short term rentals raise rents. However, clear rules can limit damage. Timed entry reduces queues, and bed taxes pay for repairs and events that keep culture alive.
Notes
- One however to mark concession.
- Parallel verbs: reduce, pay.
Module 17 - Annotated Sample 2 (problem-solution)
Prompt: Plastic waste is rising. What problems does this cause and what solutions are possible.
Body paragraph
Cheap single use packaging floods shops and streets, and drains clog after rain. This pattern worsens flooding in low areas. Cities can introduce deposit returns for bottles so that containers come back for reuse. They can also place refill stations near entrances. To protect low income buyers, deposits should be refunded in cash or mobile credit.
Notes
- Cohesion by repetition and cause-effect verbs.
- Only one explicit connector (also).
Module 18 - Micro Drills
Drill A - Cut the clutter
Replace the stacked linkers with natural flow.
- Moreover, many cities face rising rents. Furthermore, wages lag. In addition, transport costs rise. Therefore, officials should respond.
- In addition, parents need support. Moreover, school days end early. Furthermore, transport is unsafe.
Your rewrite space
Model idea
Rents are rising in many cities, while wages lag and transport costs climb. Officials should respond.
Drill B - Add reference nouns
Change vague this to clear reference.
- This is a serious issue. → This housing gap is a serious issue.
- This makes people angry. → This fare rise makes commuters angry.
Drill C - Theme-new order
Move new facts to the end.
- People cannot plan. Bus timetables change weekly.
→ Bus timetables change weekly, so people cannot plan.
Module 19 - Connector Budget Worksheet
Use this before writing.
- Paragraph 1 connector count: 0 1 2
- Paragraph 2 connector count: 0 1 2
- Paragraph 3 connector count: 0 1 2
- Paragraph 4 connector count: 0 1 2
- Paragraph 5 connector count: 0 1 2
High value choices: however, therefore, while, although, by contrast.
Bangla tip: কোটার বাইরে গেলে একটি লিঙ্কার কেটে দিন এবং ক্রিয়া বা রেফারেন্স দিয়ে প্রবাহ বানান।
Module 20 - Reading for cohesion: what to copy from good paragraphs
When you read model essays or quality articles, copy patterns not sentences.
- How the paragraph starts with given information.
- How pronouns refer back to a clear noun.
- How key nouns repeat in a controlled way.
- How one connector appears at most once per paragraph.
- How the final sentence links back to the question.
Bangla: pattern copying = গঠন অনুকরণ করা, শব্দ কপি নয়
Module 21 - Quick fixes for common errors
- Vague this/it: add a noun.
- Pronoun confusion: replace it with the noun once.
- Connector pile-up: delete all but one.
- Topic switch: split the paragraph.
- Overlong sentences: cut into two and add a strong verb.
Bangla: pile-up = একসাথে বেশি হয়ে যাওয়া
Module 22 - 7 day practice plan
- Day 1: Learn the Connector Budget and rewrite three cluttered paragraphs.
- Day 2: Practice reference nouns after this and that in five sentences.
- Day 3: Theme-new drills with ten sentence pairs.
- Day 4: Write one Body 1 paragraph with zero explicit connectors.
- Day 5: Write one Body 2 paragraph with one contrast connector only.
- Day 6: Full essay under time. Mark connector count per paragraph.
- Day 7: Review with the Do and Avoid Board. Edit for short, clear verbs.
Module 23 - Compact glossary with Bangla help
- cohesion - বাক্যের স্বাভাবিক সংযোগ
- coherence - সামগ্রিক সঙ্গতি
- reference - পূর্বোক্তের দিকে ইঙ্গিত
- substitution - শব্দ বদলে রেফারেন্স বজায় রাখা
- ellipsis - বারবারের অংশ বাদ দেওয়া
- superordinate - উচ্চতর শ্রেণির শব্দ
- hyponym - নিম্নতর শ্রেণির শব্দ
- parallelism - গঠনগত সমতা
- theme-new - পরিচিত থেকে নতুন তথ্যের প্রবাহ
- concession - ছাড় স্বীকার করে যুক্তি
Module 24 - Final checklist before you submit
- One topic per paragraph with a clear chain.
- Given to New order visible in most sentences.
- No vague this or it.
- One or two high value connectors only.
- Verbs are specific and active.
- Conclusion restates the decision and adds one condition.
- Read aloud once for rhythm.
You now have a practical way to build natural flow without heavy linkers. Keep the connector budget, practice the clinics, and your paragraphs will read clean and confident.